Three Canisius organizations host Earth Week extravaganza

By Courtney Lyons

On Wednesday, April 19, the Sustainability Committee for the Undergraduate Student Association (USA), the Canisius Zoological Society and Art Club collaborated on an Earth Week Extravaganza in the Science Hall Commons. In anticipation of Saturday’s global celebration, the tripartite hosts provided a welcoming atmosphere reflecting the liveliness of our planet itself.

The extravaganza’s goal was to foster an appreciation for the often overlooked land we inhabit. From painting nature-inspired images to crafting dog toys, the event’s Earth-enriching service projects demonstrated the ease and enjoyment of being environmentally conscious.

The boondoggle-resembling dog tags were made from gently used shirts from the student body. Per Genevieve Fontana, chair of the USA Sustainability Committee, they will be donated to the SPCA. Fontana is an advocate of upcycling, stating she hopes the activity encourages students to “make Earth-friendly choices,” since “ultimately, we have to preserve the planet for future generations.”

Fontana’s long-term environmental perspective was shared by Fred Piwko of the Canisius Zoological Society. Piwko prioritizes our inextricable link to Earth’s fate, stating, “Humans aren’t just humans. We are connected to the natural world.” For Piwko, this connection can be recognized and preserved through art as well as meaningful reflection and action. Piwko took pride in the mission-aligned clubs’ success in raising campus-wide awareness of protecting the planet and its inhabitants.

Students from diverse intellectual pursuits attended the event, each receiving complimentary sea-blue sweatshirts and stickers adorned with animals from aquatic to arid ecosystems to commemorate the occasion.

The extravaganza serves as a reminder of the irreplaceability and beauty of our home which must be acknowledged beyond merely one week of the year.